Toronto is one of North America’s largest metropolises, a sprawling and modern hub housing nearly 6 million residents. More than that, Toronto is a fantastic place to live.
Named the most diverse city in the world, “The Six” routinely attracts foreign talent and multinational businesses, creating a robust job market. Its cultural impacts in music and film have sparked a renaissance in the arts and culture scene. And its recent profile in the New York Times as a “booming tech town” with North America’s “biggest tech expansion” speaks to Toronto’s future prospects.
If you plan on moving to Toronto, this guide is here to help. Here’s a “101” guide to finding the right home in Toronto.
Getting a Lay of the Land
First, consider a bird’ s-eye view of the city. At its core, you have downtown Toronto, which is broken up into lively neighbourhoods, each with its own unique vibe. Surrounding downtown, you will find what’s known as the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), an amalgam of cities and townships with varying degrees of urban and suburban character.
The first question to ask yourself is: How do you want to live? If you want a quiet, suburban life, consider the areas orbiting the downtown core. For a bustling civic experience, choose one of the central neighbourhoods.
Listing Criteria and Researching Neighbourhoods
The next thing to do before starting your home search is to list your criteria and budget. Home prices vary among neighbourhoods and regional municipalities, as do the sizes of homes, population densities, proximity to amenities, and transit accessibility. Therefore, it’s best to begin with a list of things you value in a home or neighbourhood to narrow your search.
Next, research the plethora of neighbourhoods in Toronto. If you value nightlife, check out hot spots like Queen West and Koreatown. For nature lovers, consider the lush areas around High Park, like Roncesvalles and Bloor West Village. To enter Toronto’s artistic fray, consider the Boho-chic of Kensington Market, etc.
Partnering with the Right Real Estate Agents in Toronto
Don’t worry, you won’t have to undertake all this research alone. To find your ideal home and neighbourhood, partner with local experts who intimately know the city’s ins and outs.
The best real estate agents in Toronto will take your criteria, lifestyle goals, budget and commute preferences, and suggest the perfect neighbourhoods to explore. Moreover, they will fight tirelessly to ensure that your offer beats out the scores of other buyers in your search for a dream home.
Developing a Strategy for Winning Offers
Discuss strategies with your realtor for winning offers. The Toronto real estate market has been hot for years, with increasing consumer demand creating a competitive environment for buyers. Therefore, landing that dream home will take smart maneuvering and shrewd techniques.
Before you begin with bids, ensure that you’re working with the best realtors Toronto has to offer; do your research, and follow essential stats for various real estate companies. Hopefully, this guide steers you toward a piece of one of North America’s most vibrant cities.
